Special events at state parks on Central Coast part of week-long celebration

Over 100 special events are being held at state parks throughout California starting Wednesday, June 11.

Part of the fourth annual California State Parks Week (June 11-15), the celebration features special programs and activities highlighting the diversity of the nation’s largest state park system.

Whether you are exploring new outdoor activities, learning ways to protect the environment or connecting with your community, California State Parks Week offers something for everyone — all at no additional cost.

The festivities take on added significance this year as California celebrates its 175^th year of statehood. 

"We’re proud to provide essential funding for over 30 events during California State Parks Week this year," Rachel Norton, Executive Director at California State Parks Foundation, said in a media release. "Equitable access and meaningful park experiences are central to our mission, and we’re excited to help introduce new visitors to parks across the state through these free events."

The week of special events is presented by California State Parks, California State Parks Foundation, Parks California, and Save the Redwoods League.

Free events at state parks along the Central Coast

At state parks along the state's Central Coast, guests can take guided walks, participate in restoration activities, hear indigenous stories, and more. Let's take a look.

Monterey County

• Tour Historic Adobe Gardens, 12:30 p.m. June 11/13 at Monterey State Historic Park. Explore five historic urban gardens in downtown Monterey on a guided walk, learning their natural, cultural history, and environmental benefits.
• Big Sur River Gorge and Swimming Hole Exploration, 1 p.m. June 11. Hike through water and rocks on a river exploration to Big Sur Gorge’s swimming hole—wear water-ready gear.
• Natural Resources Volunteer Friday, 9 a.m. June 13 at Asilomar State Beach. Help protect native dunes by planting, removing invasives, and fencing endangered plants to preserve coastal habitat and beauty.
• Celebrate Indigenous Communities, 10 a.m. June 14 at Andrew Molera State Park. Hear Indigenous stories and celebrate native cultures through presentations and hands-on activities.

San Benito County

• Meaningful Connections to Land (Morning Stroll), 10 a.m. June 15 at Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area. Learn how public lands help you enjoy, protect, and connect with nature and culture through inclusive outdoor recreation.

San Luis Obispo County

• 2nd Annual Sandcastle Competition, 8 a.m. June 14 at Pismo State Beach. Build sandcastles with friends and family in a fun competition on the beach, with free parking and prizes awarded. 
• Woven Wonders, 9 a.m. June 12 at Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument. Get a behind-the-scenes look at Hearst Castle textile conservation with lab tours, tapestry talks, and weaving demonstrations.This event is offered on multiple days throughout the week. 
• Dive into the fascinating world of the northern elephant seal, 11 a.m. June 12-15 at Hearst San Simeon State Park. Discover elephant seals’ life cycle and adaptations with hands-on exhibits and a safe, close-up look during molting season.

Santa Barbara County

• Chumash Culture Hike, 10 a.m. June 14 at La Purísima Mission State Historic Park. Take a gentle 2.5-mile hike with a Chumash culture expert, learning about history while enjoying an easy, family-friendly trail.
• Explore Wild World, 10 a.m. June 14 at Carpinteria State Beach. Explore local wildlife through fun hands-on activities and crafts, earn Jr. Ranger awards, and get a new Jr. Ranger journal.

For a full list of events statewide and participation details, visit CAStateParksWeek.org. 

California State Library Parks Pass on the line

Launched in 2022, California State Parks Week advances the state's “Outdoors for All” initiative, which aims to expand outdoor access to all Californians, including underserved communities.

Part of the initiative is the California State Library Parks Pass, which library card holders can check-out at participating California libraries to gain free vehicle day use entry at over 200 participating state park units.

California State Parks Foundation expressed deep concern over the state legislature’s decision to eliminate $6.75 million in funding for the California State Library Parks Pass in the 2025–26 budget agreement. Without restored support, the program will end on December 31, 2025.

“Cutting funding for this program sends the wrong message about California’s commitment to equity in outdoor access,” Norton said. “The California State Library Parks Pass is a proven and well-used program that’s reaching the people it was created to serve. Ending it now would waste years of investment and undermine meaningful progress in expanding access to nature.”

Since the start of the program in 2021, 38,000 passes have been distributed to more than 1,100 public libraries throughout the state.